1. “The Proposal” by “Anton Chekov” as a farce
Submitted to:
Sir Malik Hassan
Submitted by:
Faiza Shamshad 21021502-001
Mahrukh Ilyas 21021502-020
Umme Aimen 21021502-010
Hira Zaman 21021502-049
M. Adeel Nasir 21021502-023
2. What is Farce?
• Farce is a type of comedy which includes situations and dialogues that
are ridiculous, exaggerated and even absurd.
• Origin of the word Farce:
• The term “farce often uses elements of absurdity, derived from the
French word “farcire “ which means “to stuff.”
• Elements of farce:
• It often uses elements of absurdity, ridiculous situations, filthy jokes
and stereotype characters.
3. THE PROPOSALAS A FARSE
• Proposal" by Anton Chekhov is a one-act play that can be classified as
a farce.
• Here are some reasons why and the points are given below.
• Exaggerated Situations:
• First point about exaggerated situations in "The Proposal" by Anton
Chekhov.
• In the play, the situation of the proposal is exaggerated to create
humor. The character of Lomov is determined to propose to Natalya,
but he is nervous and easily agitated.
4. • Natalya misunderstands his intentions and thinks that he is arguing
• with her.
• This leads to a series of misunderstandings and exaggerated reactions, with both
Lomov and Natalya becoming increasingly agitated.
• Lamov‘s dress:
• Lomov has come to Chubukov’s house in evening dress. He is very formal in his
dress and that is why Natalya and Chubukov both ask him about his dress in a
mocking way. His dress represents his wealth and also his desperateness for
marriage. Chubukov says in a funny way,
5. • CHUBUKOV: Then why are you in evening dress, my boy? It’s as if you’re
celebrating New Year's Eve!”
• Natalya also has made fun of Lomov’s dress,
• “But look at you! Why, you're in evening dress! Well you do look nice! Are you
going to a party or something? Tell me!”
6. Lomov’s physical illness:
• Lomov is the hero of the play but though he lacks heroic quality and his
physical weakness creates humor for the audience. He is not able to fight with
anybody but though he tries and in that try he feels numbness, palpitation and
aching in heart. He clutches his heart time and again during fight which creates
humor.
Lomov is physically weak but he doesn’t want to show his weakness to
Natalya and Chubukov. His continuously tries to hide his fear from Natalya and
Chubukov and that makes him a funny character. His age and his desire don’t match.
He is only thirty-five but his symptoms of physical weakness prove his nervousness
and inability to handle the situation. He fights with clutching his heart.
7. Fight on minor issues :
• The very first fight was about ownership of meadows. They both have
accepted that the cost of those meadows does not matter for them, but though they
have fought on that matter and abused each other and also their family member.
• The second fight was about superiority of their dog. This was the most trivial
issue to fight. Though they have fought very badly and that has created a good
humor in the play. Even after marriage also they have fought about the superiority
of their dogs and it continued.
• This both fight has created a good amount of humor and excitement. It has
created a farcical element in the play. Farce is not a cheap comedy with silly
incidents but it involves good amount of humor with wit.
8. • Absurd plot:
• They go from fight to fight , to then engaged.
• They think Lomov is dead.
• Conclusion:
• Thus, the play, “The Proposal” can be considered as the farcical play which
criticizes human nature with funny or one can say realistic conditions. The play
reflects human weaknesses with comical elements, and when a reader reads the
play, s/he laughs but intellectually they laugh on their own weaknesses and nature.
